Genesis 7:1-9: More Instructions

July 03, 2026 Blaize

Rules and regulations can feel restrictive, but in the biblical story of Noah, following God's commands to the letter becomes the very means of salvation. Genesis 7 picks up the story after Noah had completed the ark. Here, God commands Noah to enter the ark, now with 2 of each animal and 7 pairs of clean animals. While Genesis 7 does not specify which animals are considered clean, the distinctions provided in Leviticus and Deuteronomy include land animals that are generally those that chew the cud and have split hooves; sea animals that have fins and scales; clean birds that exclude birds of prey, scavengers, and several specific species; and some insects like certain types of locusts and grasshoppers. Noah did not take fish, but land animals and birds were included among these clean animals. The exact purpose of these animals, beyond preservation, may include sacrifices made to God, which Noah did after the flood (Genesis 8:20) and for food after the flood (Genesis 9:3).

What’s interesting here is that over and over, the author of Genesis remarks on Noah doing as God commanded him. It happens 4 times: Genesis 6:22, 7:5, 7:9, and 7:16. Obedience in this context is connected with righteousness, where he is called righteous twice in 6:9 and 7:1. The instructions given to Noah may come across as overly specific for the purpose of the story, but the details here show that Noah was concerned with exactly what God commanded him to do. There was no ambiguity. In contrast to the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim's story focuses more on the capricious nature of the gods and his cleverness in surviving their decree. After the flood, Utnapishtim and his wife are granted immortality by the gods, highlighting themes of human cunning and divine whim. Noah's obedience, though, controverts that in a way to show the covenantal relationship between God and humanity. In a covenant, both parties have roles to fulfill. Noah's role, in this case, is to listen to and follow God's instructions, which he does faithfully. It demonstrates trust in God's promise and submission to His will, foundational aspects of the covenantal relationship.

The connection between obedience and righteousness has never changed through all of God's covenants. Still, God knew that people would mess up in time. The law under the Mosaic covenant gave over 600 different statutes to follow. Remembering and following all of these would have been daunting, to say the least. Romans 3:20 articulates that the Law reveals sin but cannot save one from sin. Galatians 3:24-25 uses the metaphor of the Law as a "guardian" or "schoolmaster" (in some translations) to show that its role was temporary and preparatory, leading to Christ. The Law's limitations show the need for a different kind of salvation, one based on faith in Jesus. The coming of Christ does not negate the Law's value or its divine origin but completes its purpose by providing a way to achieve the righteousness that the Law delineates but which is unattainable through human effort alone. One needs God to save him. It’s up to humans to trust and obey God in that framework like Noah did.

Lord, help me to trust and obey your commands, knowing that your ways lead to life and salvation.